The BBC report that this was the scene of serious football related violence yesterday which had to be broken up by the use of CS gas following a Southend vs Cambridge match. No mention of what the beer was like.

This is one of a few options around Roots Hall pre-match, and in my opinion is the best. The pub is proud to be associated with the club and has regular window displays supporting Southend United, something that is certainly appreciated by the supporters and it is a shame more pubs in Southend don't nail their colours to the mast in this way.

I always used to drink in the Spread Eagle, but it hasn't really done it for me for a while and since the Spread stopped showing football on its screens, it's been a no brainer.

Pete the gaffer is a nice chap and he is good to his regulars. It has been known to attract a few of the local 'faces' for big games but away fans are normally allowed in with no problems whatsoever. Service is always quick, the only downside is it only has IPA in terms of ales so I tend to go for the Guinness.

Also, when the weather is nice, there's a beer patio at the back, plus a burger stand on matchdays.

If the club moves to Fossetts Farm in a couple of years (never going to happen), I believe the Railway is still the nearest pub so hopefully the trade will not die off because it would be a real shame to lose this place.

I've been in this pub a few times and not just match days. Ideally placed next to the railway station then the Tavern does good ale, a big bar split into two with plenty of space and plays live music on certain Thursdays and weekends. Landlord was helpful and chatty and the staff well attended. It is a footballers pub but I'd recommend a stop off.

Went in here as an away fan (Hartlepool) on Saturday. Decent pub and despite being a home pub, we had no problems and it was not at all threatening. They had sky TV and the beer wasn't too expensive. There was a few problems with children playing pool as the landlord wasn't happy, but it was friendly enough for children.

I would recommend this pub for away fans as the Southend fans were all friendly enough and of the shirt-wearing variety rather than displaying any sort of threatening attitude.

Oh and one of the barmaids was absolutely drop-dead gorgeous!!!! We spent more time watching her than the Stoke V Wigan game that was on the TV!